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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-01-AC-min 04/01/15 AC Minutes Minutes Town of Lexington Appropriation Committee(AC) April1, 2015 : Lexington High School,Room221, 7:00 p.m. : Glenn Parker, Chair; John Bartenstein, Vice Chair and Secretary;Alan Levine; Beth Masterman;Susan McLeish;Eric Michelson; Richard Neumeier;Andrei Radulescu-Banu Members absent:Mollie Garberg; Rob Addelson, (non-voting, ex officio) Other attendees: None The meeting was called to order at 7:05p.m. Announcements: 1. Mr. Parker reported thathe and Mr.Levine will be representing the Committee ata mini- summit being planned by the Town Manager. The mini-summit will addressexpectations for follow-up during the coming months on the appropriation made at Special Town Meeting #1for school capital projects. Mr. Michelson reported that onApril 2 there willbe a public meeting to discuss capital plans to replacethe Minuteman Regional Technical High School. 2015Annual Town Meeting(ATM)Articles: 2. Article 11 (c):Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Storm Drainage Improvements and NPDES Complianceand Article 14:Appropriate for Water System Improvements: Mr. Parker reported that themotions for these capital projects have been revised to reflect achange in the funding source.The appropriations will now include unused funds from past appropriations.It was agreed that further clarification is requiredto determine whether the Committee needs to take another vote on this article. Article 11 (a):Appropriate for Municipal Capital Projects and Equipment; Center Streetscape Improvements and Easements –Phase 1: Mr. Michelson statedthat he previously supported this Article, but now opposesit.He is concerned about the installation of a traffic signal at the Massachusetts Avenue, Winthrop Road, and Woburn Street intersection.Mr. Michelson reported that there are efforts being pursued by others in Town to develop anapproach toaddress the intersection’s safety issues withoutan intrusive traffic signal.The signalization issueis particularly relevant because there are proposals to install signals at three other intersections between Lexington Center and East Lexington; so many signals could change the character of the Town along the eastern approach to the center.He noted that he would support a motion to indefinitely postpone the Article.Further discussion indicated that others want to be sure the safety concerns are addressed, but may wish to change their votes after the Town Meeting presentation. With Mr. Michelson’s opposition, the current vote on Article 11(a) is 8-1. 1 04/01/15 AC Minutes Article 44:Resolution on Fossil Fuel Divestment (Citizen Article): Mr. Parker reported that the motion for this Article has been changed significantly to make it less onerous. The motion now asksthe Town to research itsholdings over the next five years to determine whether there are reasonable and responsible changes that could be made to slowly reduce the Town’s investments in fossil fuels. Ms. Mastermanspoke in favor of the Article, urgingothers to consider the importance of sending a message to fossil fuel companies. Since this Article will not come before the ATM this week, the Committee plans to discuss it further at subsequent meetings before voting on the revised motion. The meeting wasadjourned at 7:30p.m. The documents used at the meeting are listed below. Respectfully submitted, Sara Arnold Recording Secretary Approved July 9, 2015 Exhibits 1.Agenda,posted by Glenn Parker 2.April 1, 2015 Email from Glenn Parkerregarding Revised Motions using Unexpended Proceeds 3.March25, 2015 Email from Glenn Parkerregarding Article 44; Fossil Fuel Divestment 2